An investigation into teachers’ experiences of the incorporation of environmental education into schools and the role of environmental clubs in this regard

Abstract:

This research report investigates the experiences of teachers of the incorporation of Environmental Education (EE) into schools and the role of environmental clubs in facilitating it. The rationale for this study is based on finding solutions to existing environmental problems, conducted with an educational focus. Management of the environment will pass on to future generations, hence there is a responsibility for teachers to inculcate environmental awareness. The South African governments’ efforts, through the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS), to incorporate EE into the present curriculum is extensively outlined in numerous research reports. Its goal is to, ''seek to create a lifelong learner who is confident and independent, literate, numerate, and multi-skilled, compassionate, with a respect for the environment and the ability to participate in a society as a critical and active citizen'' (Department of Education, 2002:08). This study aimed to investigate the experiences of teachers in EE and its incorporation in the school curriculum. The second aim was to investigate how these perceptions may impact on their teaching and learning in the classroom. The final aim was to investigate whether the introduction of environmental clubs into school would cause a change to EE implementation in the classroom. Methodologically, this research project was located in the both the quantitative and qualitative paradigms, the participants having comprised teachers and Heads of Departments (HoDs), as well as principals from three schools in the dependent sector, namely government-based schools in the District 6 region in Gauteng province. The three schools were randomly selected to represent schools of varying financial status as well as of multi-racial contexts.